CRYSTAL BALL - OR CONJURING REALITY

 

   Gosia and Andrzej, while walking in the forest or park, found a blooming Daphne which raised our hopes for spring Snowdrops and Snowflakes. Having learned from last year's experience when we were "too late" with our trip - the blooming was already in full swing - we quickly gathered a "reconnaissance" group.

Although, to be honest, saying "we were late" last year is not entirely true, it was February 18th, so almost this same time of year.

We agreed to meet at  - Muszkowicki Las Bukowy Reserve at around 10 am.

Unfortunately for us, the temperature had dropped significantly below zero for the last few days (or rather nights) which has stopped vegetation. What's more, it started snowing while we were driving. 😠 All of this together has complicated the "blooming" situation a bit, but it didn't stop the trip.

We arrived on the scene.

Mateusz in front, Gosia behind him and Andrzej at the end

The whole trip it seemed like we were trying to conjure the reality - everyone believed that it was the right time …

Unfortunately, it wasn't - but almost - the difference was small,  but nevertheless…

Although snowdrops and snowflakes were already peeking out from under the snow, they were  far from full bloom.

Snowdrops

Snowdrop

As usual, we went around the area hunting for "our" shots. 

Andrzej

Gosia & Andrzej 

It turned out that it wasn't bad. Snow also has its charm, and flowers in the white fluff look interesting.

Spring snowflake

Snowdrop

Snowdrop

Snowdrops

I also liked the icy overhangs above the stream flowing through the reserve - in the photo below.

Despite the fact that we were prepared for the trip, only Wojtek took his rubber boots from the car. The rest of us pretended that they didn't want to cross to the other side of the stream - but no one wanted to journey back for them either 😕

Wojtek - the only foresighted one 

     So we all stayed on "our" side. I mean, Mateusz - like a ballerina (actually a ballet master) ran to the other side in his trappers - across the creek, but as for dry shoes - I'm not sure 😊

Mateusz

Quite a few photos were taken - because apart from flowers there were also other forms - the aforementioned ice overhangs, mushrooms, bracket fungus (these are also mushrooms), even alder cones can look interesting when enlarged.

Alder cones lying among moss spores

Ivy

I was delighted by the moss spores sticking out from under the snow, and looking a bit like ... ants - I know ... but please don't laugh - that's what they reminded me of. 😐

There was also time for improvisation - Małgosia was the leader. She tried to see in a cristal ball when our snowflakes would bloom - our Fairy. 😏

Our Fairy Margaret with a Cristal ball 😀

After the crystal ball, all that she is missing is her own Witch's hut - but then Małgosia wouldn't be a Fairy anymore, but…rather… I hope she doesn’t read this otherwise the next time we meet, lets just say  “there is that big awkward silence, you know" as my favourite Donkey from Shrek would say. 😏😂

Photos: Marek Czubaszek